Luke Shaw prefers Chelsea, but Arsenal could get Gourcuff

Saints' starlet Shaw can expect a warm welcome at the Bridge tonight after expressing love for the Blues

ARSENAL'S hopes of signing Southampton defender Luke Shaw have suffered a setback after the young left back professed his love for Chelsea. The Gunners have been linked to the 17-year-old for much of the season, with manager Arsene Wenger allegedly sounding out Saints manager Nigel Adkins about his availability when the two sides met recently.

But according to the Daily Mail, Shaw seems to be angling for a move to Chelsea, making his intentions clear during a fans' Twitter forum on Tuesday night. Asked if he was a Chelsea fan, Shaw replied: '#championsofeurope yes I am'.

Southampton travel to London tonight to play Chelsea in the Premier League, and Shaw can be assured of a warm reception after also admitting Stamford Bridge was his favourite away ground. The Mail says Shaw's performances for the Saints have not gone "unnoticed" by Chelsea this season and an offer could be in the pipeline as the Blues look to remodel their squad.

Arsenal may have more luck with another long term target, Yoann Gourcuff, who could be available for the knock-down price of £3m. The 26-year-old French international moved to Lyon from Bordeaux for £20m in 2009, but since then he has struggled with form, injurues and off-field problems and now fancies a fresh start on this side of the channel.

Metro reports that Arsenal have not lost interest in the player despite his trials and tribulations and could make an offer later this month.

Talking of former Arsenal targets, QPR boss Harry Redknapp has revealed how he persuaded Yann M'Vila to join Rangers. He told the French star that it could help him get a deal with Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail.

The Rennes midfielder has been so desperate to secure a move to one of the Premier League big guns that last summer his agent even announced that he had signed for Arsenal. That story proved to be false but it has not stopped the 23-year-old from pursuing his aim of a dream move.

Now he is on the verge of joining the Premier League's bottom club, QPR, for £7m in the hope it will prove to be a stepping stone. "I told him that he would come here and be a good player, and if he does well, if we stay up, in 18 months he could get a move to Manchester United, or Arsenal, or Chelsea, if that is what he is looking for."

The Mail also reports that another former Arsenal target, Loic Remy has joined Rangers for £8m after Redknapp convinced him to drop his interest in Newcastle.

Newcastle are second only to Arsenal when it comes to transfer tittle-tattle this month and the latest gossip concerns their bid to land Lorient striker Jeremie Aliadiere. According to Talksport, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is in desperate need of a striker following the sale of Demba Ba to Chelsea earlier in the month.

Pardew failed to persuade Marseille frontman Loic Remy to join the Magpies. Now it appears he's also failed to prise the 29-year-old Aliadiere from Lorient.

The Frenchman, who has had spells with Arsenal and Wolves, was apparently up for a return to the Premier League, but that was before Lorient manager Christian Gourcuff put his foot down. "I know his wife misses England but Jeremie will be here on February 1," he replied when asked about the possibility of a move.

Newcastle are more optimistic of persuading Birmingham City's England international goalkeeper Jack Butland to move up north. The Newcastle Chronicle has been "informed by reliable sources" that the Magpies are prepared to offer £4m for the teenage Butland, who made his international debut last August against Italy.

It's claimed Newcastle and Birmingham are in discussions, with the Blues forced to sell the 19-year-old to cover their mounting debts. Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham have all been linked with Butland in the past, but the Chronicle says Newcastle are the most determined to sign the young shot-stopper and a deal is expected to be concluded shortly.

Finally, the Metro claims that Liverpool are making eyes at Sevilla centre back Federico Fazio after being blown out by Vegard Forren. Liverpool gaffer Brendan Rodgers wants fresh blood in his back four this month and initially he had his heart set on Molde defender Forren. But for reasons best known to himself, Forren plumped for Southampton, leaving Liverpool to turn their attention to Fazio.

Described by the Metro as an "Argentine enforcer", Fazio has been put up for sale by Sevilla who are in a spot of financial strife. Though German clubs Hamburg and Hoffenhiem are both courting Fazio, it's said that he "favours a switch to England" and Liverpool are apparently close to agreeing a £3m deal with Sevilla.

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Liverpool heart set on Forren? Uh......no. Rodgers turned down a chance to sign him. Do a little research. Ridiculous.

Submitted by Jacob Lamburne on January 17, 2013 - 1:14pm.

Luke shaw saying he is a chelsea fan does not mean he is going to sign there. You have ignored the fact that he has explicitly stated that when his contract is up for renewal he is going to be signing a five year deal with southampton. Theres a difference between reporting transfer rumors and just making up the rumors yourself . Really poor journalism.

Quite possibly the most ill informed piece of football related gossip ever, Luke Shaw has signed a 5 year contract with Saints while still being in our prolific academy. No one, I repeat no one will be signing Luke Shaw in the near future, please can you amend your header as it is at least complete b***ocks, thank you.

Submitted by sennatt on January 18, 2013 - 7:12pm.

luke shaw is going no where about to sign a 5 year contract when he hits 18 save this page for 5 years time